Mancini signs off with big thank you

AD FAB ... Roberto Mancini's advert in the Manchester Evening News

ROBERTO MANCINI paid for a full-page newspaper advert to say a final farewell and thank to Manchester City fans.

The Italian was ruthlessly axed last week, a year to the day since he won the title.

Mancini, 48, insisted after the FA Cup final defeat he would always be a City supporter even if he was sacked.

And his classy gesture in the Manchester Evening News, costing around £6,000, maintains his hero status at the Etihad.

The colour ad was addressed to “Manchester City Supporters” and read: “Three unforgettable years. You will always be in my heart. Ciao. Roberto Mancini.”

Images of the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield trophies are a reminder of his achievements in his 3½ years at the club.